Inafune feels domestic brand loyalty may have been 360’s downfall in Japan

Keiji Inafune has a theory on why Xbox 360 hasn’t been much of a hit in Japan.

Speaking with IGN, the Soul Sacrifice developer said while he loves the PlayStation brand, he enjoy’s Microsoft’s offering as well – and supported the console as much as possible during his tenure at Capcom.

“I understand Japanese users don’t prefer Xbox 360, but if I was asked why, I wouldn’t be able to put a finger on it,” he said. “Probably one of the reasons is because PlayStation is a domestic brand in Japan, as a Japanese [person], I think it’s only natural you feel closer or attached more to domestic products and I find myself being that way too.

“When you see two products with similar features and one is from your own country and the other is from foreign countries, it’s easy to pick the one from your own country.”

Inafune said brand loyalty may have been averted in some instances should Xbox 360 had more console-exclusive offerings on the market; however, since “usually a title is developed for multiple platforms,” that wasn’t the case.

Sony is slated to release its PS4 in time for the holiday shopping season, and it’s rumored Microsoft will be vying for shelf space as well. Hopefully, the later’s next console can crack the Japanese market a bit better than last time out.